Chapter 57

Draven’s POV

I had been at the training field with Dorian, Mason, and a handful of warriors when Ariannon suddenly mind-linked me.

“What is it?” I paused to focus on her frantic thoughts. Whenever Aria reached out, it was about my mate—and I could already feel panic rising in her mind.

“It’s Luna. I think she… she—” Aria’s voice caught; her words tumbled unevenly. I couldn’t suppress the low growl that rumbled in my throat.

“Stop stuttering, Aria. Speak,” I barked silently through the link.

She whimpered with fear and fumbled out, “Yes, Alpha. It’s Luna. I think she was going into heat.”

My world tilted to a halt.

“What?” The word escaped me without thinking. Maeve in heat then—this wasn’t supposed to happen until after we were mated, after the ritual. Not then.

“She’s in pain, and she needs you. Hurry—her scent is overwhelming, and the unmated wolves were already closing in on her.”

Anger surged through me. I didn’t ask a